The Butler Area School District will take a more active role in combating online crimes through a new partnership.
The school board has approved a joint municipal agreement with the Butler County District Attorney’s office to implement a Cyber Protection Program.
Retired State Police Officer John Stepansky Sr. is already employed by the district and he will now use his digital forensics training to investigate potential online threats to district students and employees, as needed. Stepansky will not take action to make arrests. Instead, he will investigate and submit any evidence he finds to county detectives, who will then determine if charges will be filed.
Stepansky is one of 19 total retired state police troopers employed by Butler as school police officers.
The Butler Area School District becomes the first school district in Butler County to appoint a police officer in charge of cyber security.